Image caption
Phil Cottrell worked at BBC Scotland in Glasgow before moving abroad

Police investigating the murder of a British journalist have told Radio New Zealand they are interviewing a man sought in connection with his killing.

Phillip Cottrell, 43, died on Sunday after being attacked while walking home from a night shift at the radio station in Wellington.

He had worked for BBC Scotland in Glasgow before settling in New Zealand.

Det Snr Sgt Scott Miller said Nicho Allan Waipuka, 19, had been traced and was being questioned.

Mr Cottrell was found by a taxi driver outside a Baptist Church on Boulcott Street, Wellington, on Saturday morning.

He was taken to Wellington Hospital and underwent emergency surgery but died on Sunday without regaining consciousness.

A post-mortem examination showed his injuries included multiple fractures to his head, neck and left arm, and extensive brain injuries.

Earlier police has released an image of Mr Waipaku who they said "may have been in the vicinity of Boulcott Street at 05:30 on Saturday 10 December".

Det Snr Sgt Miller told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme that the investigation was moving at a fast pace and several other people who were in the vicinity at the time were still being sought, including a taxi driver.

A funeral service for Mr Cottrell is due to be held in Wellington on Friday.